A remote pilot flies a small UA low along a tall tree line that hides the airspace to the west. A low-flying helicopter appears over the trees and passes close to the UA. The pilot says the trees made it impossible to see the helicopter. According to the AIM, which is correct?
- AThe remote pilot is not responsible, because the small UA itself stayed in sight the whole time
- BThe remote pilot remains responsible; the pilot needed an unblocked view of the UA and the airspace around it
- CThe helicopter pilot is responsible, because manned aircraft may not fly below 400 feet AGL
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The remote pilot remains responsible; the pilot needed an unblocked view of the UA and the airspace around it
The pilot of any unmanned aircraft retains the ultimate responsibility to avoid manned traffic. The pilot must keep unblocked visual access to the UA and to the surrounding airspace; a blocked view is no excuse.
- A. Incorrect. Wrong. The remote pilot must have unblocked visual access to both the UAS and the airspace around it, not only to the aircraft.
- B. Correct. Not seeing a manned aircraft because of blocked line of sight does not absolve the UAS pilot from responsibility for avoidance.
- C. Incorrect. Wrong. The AIM reminds UAS operators that manned aircraft, such as helicopters, may fly below 400 feet AGL; the UAS pilot keeps the ultimate responsibility to avoid them.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 11-8-3b1 UAS pilots must ensure they have unblocked visual access to both their UAS and the airspace around it; not seeing a manned aircraft due to blocked line of sight does not absolve the UAS pilot from responsibility for avoidance.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 11-8-3b1 The pilot of any unmanned aircraft operation retains the ultimate responsibility to avoid manned aircraft traffic.